# Eastern Spadefoot (*scaphiopus holbrookii*) The Eastern Spadefoot is a small, round frog that loves to dig in the sand. It can be found hopping around in the evening, especially after rain! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** They live in sandy or loose soil areas, often in grasslands and near ponds. - **Also known as:** Holbrook's Spadefoot, Spadefoot Toad ![Eastern Spadefoot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Scaphiopus_holbrookii1-.jpg&width=800) Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scaphiopus_holbrookii1-.jpg) ## Appearance The Eastern Spadefoot has smooth, mottled brown, gray, or yellowish skin, often with two faint light stripes down its back. It has prominent, golden eyes with unique vertical pupils, setting it apart from most other toads. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Scaphiopodidae - **Genus:** Scaphiopus ## Interesting facts - Spadefoots can live most of their lives underground, only emerging during heavy rains! - Tadpoles of Eastern Spadefoots can grow incredibly fast to avoid drying out in temporary ponds! - They don't drink water; they soak it up through their skin like a sponge! - When threatened, these toads can puff up their bodies to appear much bigger and scarier! ## Special abilities - **Super Digger:** Eastern Spadefoot can rapidly burrow backwards using hard, spade-like projections on its hind feet, which helps them escape predators and dry conditions. - **Rain Responder:** Eastern Spadefoot has an incredible ability to emerge quickly for explosive breeding after heavy rains, which helps them reproduce in temporary puddles. - **Water Saver:** Eastern Spadefoot can estivate underground for long periods, slowing its metabolism to survive droughts by conserving precious body water. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 4.4-6.3 cm - **Weight:** 0.015-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 6-9 years - **Speed:** 1.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2000-8000 - **Metamorphosis:** 14-56 days ## Diet & Feeding These hungry amphibians munch on many different kinds of small insects and other tiny creatures. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles are filter-feeders and detritivores, while adults are insectivores. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, beetles, spiders, caterpillars, earthworms - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Raccoons might dig up and eat spadefoots. - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Garter snakes are common predators of amphibians. - **Eats:** [Fall Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-field-cricket) (*Gryllus pennsylvanicus*) — Spadefoots actively hunt and consume various crickets. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eastern Spadefoot? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Eastern Spadefoot? 4.4-6.3 cm ### How much does Eastern Spadefoot weigh? 0.015-0.03 kg ### How long does Eastern Spadefoot live? 6-9 years ### How fast can Eastern Spadefoot move? 1.5 km/h ### What does Eastern Spadefoot eat? These hungry amphibians munch on many different kinds of small insects and other tiny creatures. ### Where is Eastern Spadefoot usually found? They live in sandy or loose soil areas, often in grasslands and near ponds. ### How does Eastern Spadefoot hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Callaway Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/callaway-gardens) — Georgia, US · Botanical Garden - [Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cecil-b-day-butterfly-center) — Georgia, US · Botanical Garden - [City of Camden Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/city-of-camden-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Colonial Williamsburg](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colonial-williamsburg) — Virginia, US · Museum - [East Home Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-home-avenue-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Jennings State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jennings-state-forest) — Florida, US · Forest [View all places to see Eastern Spadefoot](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/eastern-spadefoot) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Eastern Spadefoot: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-spadefoot)